Shroud page 6

 Shroud page 6 by ric gustafson

The three men carefully used Jonai's pliers and removed the nail holding Jesus's feet to the cross. They had to carefully remove the nail from Jesus's feet. The spikes were carefully removed from Jesus's hands. The last Roman guard, who had been watching them do their work, wiped off the spikes and left. Back on the ground, Jesus's arms were folded on his stomach.

One of Joseph's friends Jehohanan brought a stretcher. It was two long wooden poles with six crossbars. The four men lifted Jesus onto the stretcher. Jesus's ribcage was distended.

" Careful" Joseph warned. " We can lay him in my family's tomb".

When they approached the freshly hewn tomb, dusk was approaching. The tomb was outside the Damascus Gate.

Mary Jesus's mother entered the tomb carrying a torch. Then the others entered with Jesus's body.

Joseph pointed to a spot in the tomb. " Lay him here".

" Spread out the burial cloth".

Jonai and Nicodemus carefully put Jesus on the burial cloth. Nicodemus put mites over Jesus's eyes to keep them shut.

The burial cloth was pulled up and over Jesus. Because of the scourging, blood oozed out onto the burial cloth. The cloth became a pattern of red spots and blemishes.

Then everyone left the tomb. The four tried to move the stone into place. First, it did not move. Finally, they were able to move it into place. 

Everyone left.

research help: ' The Only Witness' by Guy R Powell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Chosen: Mark 1: 14-15

 Chosen: Mark 1: 14-15 by ric gustafson

Jesus came to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. That his Father will rule and reign for all eternity. Jesus called for heart change. Jesus asked for an inward transformation. Nothing more Nothing less. 

Simon Peter saw a miracle in Luke 5. Simon fell to his knees and said go away I am a sinful man. Simon Peter witnessed the miracle. He repented. Jesus said do not be afraid. From now on, he would be a fisher of men. Simon Peter left everything to follow Jesus.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Chosen devotional' by Broadstreet Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

True Grit page 27

 True Grit page 27 by ric gustafson

After leaving the dead bodies at Mr McAlester's, Mrs McAlester served us a nice country dinner. We even had buttermilk. LaBoeuf had his injured arm cleaned and tightly bound. Cogburn had a blacksmith put a shoe on his horse Bo. LaBoeuf had his Sharps rifle repaired.

Marshal Cogburn was anxious to leave.

" Well baby sister, the time has come for me to move fast". His voice hesitated. " It's a hard day's ride to where I am going".

I stared at the Marshal. " No, I am coming with you".

" Mrs McAlester will see to your comfort".

" Let her stay". LaBoeuf grinned at me. " She's already come this far".

" I will be back tomorrow or the next day with Chaney".

I stamped my foot in protest. " I am not quitting when we are so close".

" Cogburn, she's won her spurs".

Cogburn held up a hand. " All right, let it go".

research help: ' True Grit' by Charles Portis

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric